What does the Radio-Television Gallery do?

The Gallery facilitates but does not promote broadcast coverage of Senate activities. We have five functions: accreditation, liaison, distribution of information, management of logistics, and enforcement of the rules.

How does a senator gain access to the Gallery?

Except in the case of the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader, the Senate Radio-TV Gallery studio only may be reserved by members of the Congressional News Gallery. The Majority Leader and the Minority Leader may reserve studio time on their own initiative.

What happens to a senator when he/she comes to the Gallery?

The Senate Gallery staff will announce the arrival of the Member over the Gallery's public address system when the Member appears in the studio.

Is it possible for a senator to get "bumped" from the studio?

Yes. It is possible that use of the studio for exclusive interviews may be restricted in instances of major breaking news. However, press conferences generally take precedence over other uses of the studio.

Can a senator place a "tentative hold" on the studio?

Yes. A member of Congress may place a tentative hold for a specific time in the Radio-TV Gallery studio. However, a tentative hold does not reserve the studio. It merely places a hold on the studio until the member's appearance is confirmed through an invitation by a member of one of the Congressional News Galleries. Press Secretaries should be aware that if a member of the press subsequently invites a member to use the studio for the same time period, the member with the tentative hold will be given 30 minutes to produce an invitation before getting bumped.

How are press releases distributed within the Gallery?

Press secretaries are encouraged to visit the workspace on the fourth floor to distribute press releases personally to reporters. Extra copies should be left in the staff area for posting. The staff also will distribute and post any releases left in the staff area by press secretaries. Please remember to deliver at least one copy to the staff area.

Do all congressional correspondents work in the Radio-Television Gallery?

No. There are four Congressional press galleries on the Senate side. The Radio-Television Gallery, located in S-325 of the Capitol; the Press Gallery, located in S-316; the Periodical Press Gallery, located in S-320; and the Press Photographers Gallery, located in S-317.

How many members of the broadcast press are currently accredited by the Congressional Radio-TV Galleries?

The Galleries currently accredit 2,140 active members and 490 technicians. By the end of the calendar year, the Gallery will have issued a total of 3,000 credentials.